CAPE TOWN - A woman who was suspected of smuggling drugs said police at the Cape Town International Airport need to be taught how to uphold citizens’ rights during search operations.

Joanne Leftson described her ordeal as a nightmare.

She claimed officers threatened her and failed to inform her about why she was being searched.

Leftson returned to the Mother City from Thailand on Sunday.

She said everyone should be treated with the necessary respect.

“There has got to be a system in place where the person is respected, has basic rights like a phone call and can have a lawyer there if needed. They cannot treat you like a murderer or drug addict.”

The police's Dennis Adriao said it is all part of the job.

“The South African Police Service has a duty in terms of searching people at our ports of entry. Ensuring drug traffickers and people who want to smuggle illegal things do not get through our borders.”